What is the difference between a capacitive touchscreen and a resistive touchscreen? Which one does TAP use and why?

Capacitive touchscreens usually have a glass display that is coated with a transparent conductor that responds to conductive inputs (such as your fingertip!) and doesn’t require pressure to activate. Capacitive touchscreens have more of a ‘swiping’ feel and are capable of recognizing multi-touch gestures. You’re probably used to interacting with capacitive touchscreens on your smartphone or tablet. 

A resistive touchscreen has a plastic screen overlay that requires pressure to activate. Resistive touchscreens have more of a ‘pressing’ or ‘tapping’ feel. Today, resistive touchscreens are less common in day-to-day life, but a lot of ATMs still use resistive touchscreens.  

TAP II Pro, TAP Micro, TAP&Go, and TAP Monitor all use capacitive touchscreens for better viewing angles and faster responsiveness. TAP II uses a resistive touchscreen which has several potential advantages when it comes to heat treat:

• You can use a TAP II Controller even if you’re still wearing protective gloves when operating your kiln. 
• Heat treat requires precision – resistive touchscreens are less susceptible to accidental inputs.  
• Inputs on a resistive touchscreen aren’t as affected by debris. (Note – You should regularly clean your TAP Controller’s screen, but it is designed as a piece of work equipment that can withstand studio or workspace environments).  

However, even with a resistive touchscreen, TAP II Controllers are snappy, responsive, with a vibrant display (unlike many ATMs). And, with a Premium Subscription to the TAP Kiln Control Mobile, you can fully control your kiln using the capacitive touchscreen on your phone or tablet if you want!